Tapeworms are flat worms that are segmented. They consist of a head, neck, and then a number of segments. The head usually has suckers or muscular grooves that enable the tapeworm to attach itself to the animal’s intestine.

Each tapeworm segment has its own reproductive organs. New segments are continually formed in the neck region of the worm while those at the end of the tapeworm are cast off as they mature. These mature segments contain large numbers of eggs which are often grouped into packets. The segments may often be seen near the anus of the dog or cat. These segments may move if recently passed, or if dried, they look like grains of uncooked rice or cucumber seeds. Tapeworm infections are usually diagnosed by finding these segments on the animal.

Tapeworms of dogs and cats all have life cycles that include an intermediate host. These hosts include fleas, fish, and domestic animals such as sheep and pigs. All of the adult forms of these tapeworms live in the cat’s or dog’s digestive system. It is interesting that tapeworms have no digestive systems themselves, but absorb nutrients through their skin.

The adult form of tapeworm lives in dogs, cats, fox, and occasionally humans. It is found throughout the world. The intermediate host is the flea or louse.

What is the life cycle of tapeworms?

The adult worm, which can be up to 20 inches long, lives in the small intestine. The segments, full of eggs, are passed in the feces. While warm, the segments are active, but as they dry, they break open and liberate the eggs inside. Either an adult louse or a flea larva ingests the eggs. The egg develops into an immature form in the insect. When a dog or cat eats the insect, the immature form develops into an adult and the life cycle is completed.

How is a tapeworm infection diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a tapeworm infection can be diagnosed by finding the moving segments, dried segments, and occasionally by seeing eggs in the feces if the segment had ruptured.

What are the signs of a tapeworm infection?

In heavy infections, we may notice abdominal discomfort or nervousness in the animal. The animal may vomit and sometimes have convulsions. It is thought that the convulsions are due to toxins produced by the tapeworm. The active segments around the anal area may cause an animal to lick or ’scoot’ on the floor.

What signs of infection do we see in humans?

Usually it is children who become infected with this tapeworm by ingesting flea larvae or adult lice. In general, we rarely see symptoms in humans. In severe infections, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and pruritus (itching) in the perianal area may be present.

How do we treat and prevent infections of tapeworms in dogs and cats?

The most common treatment is praziquantel which is found in Droncit and Tradewinds Tapeworm Tabs. The dose is determined by number of tablets per body weight. It can not be used in pregnant animals. The drug epsiprantel (Cestex) is also effective, but cannot be used in puppies and kittens less than 7 weeks of age. For more information see the table on Treatments of Gastrointestinal Parasites at the end of this article.

The most important preventive measures are flea control and lice control. Numerous products are on the market which can be used for this purpose. It is recommended to not only treat the animals but also the environment in an attempt to kill as many flea larvae as possible.

Personally, if one dog shows up with worms, I treat all the dogs in the household, regardless of fecal results. Not every fecal will yield worm eggs, even if the dog is infected. Or they could have just gotten infected.

I own a small kennel and have had very few worm issues because I insist all dogs coming in be wormed (regardless of fecal) and worm all my dogs every six months. I don’t trust fecal results.

Clean up all poop right away to prevent re-infestation. Yes your dogs can still play together.

However, dogs ussually get tape worm from ingesting a flea (or from ingesting fecal matter that contains segments/eggs).. there is a good possability that your 2nd dog is infected as well.

I’d have the vet check out the second dog just to be on the safe side.

This powder works mechanically by destroying the coating of the worm allowing it to be passed out or absorbed by the digestive system. It is entirely safe to use for both animals and humans although care should be taken not to inhale the powder.

I agree that if one dog shows evidence of an infestation you should treat them all – faecal tests often don’t show true results so treat them all rather than having test done that may not be correct.